Lighthouse Reef Atoll – Belize
MarAlliance has been conducting research at Lighthouse Reef Atoll on an annual basis since 2007. We use scientific longline, Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV), and snorkel underwater visual census (UVC) to analyze long-term trends in the abundance of sharks, rays, turtles, and large finfish. We work in partnership with local fishers, university students, and other […]
Deep-Sea Sharks Belize, Honduras
Since 2015, MarAlliance has been conducting research into the deep- sea sharks that inhabit the MesoAmerican Reef (MAR). We use a combination of scientific vertical longline and a specially-designed baited remote underwater video (BRUV) to investigate the abundance and distribution of these little-studies species in depths greater than 150 meters.
Nurse Shark Population Shark and Ray Alley San Pedro, Belize
MarAlliance has been studying the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) population at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Zone D since 2014. The aggregation site, also known as Shark and Ray Alley, is a popular site for tourists. Tour operators use bait to attract the sharks to their boats to give guests close encounters with the sharks […]
Deep-Sea Fisheries MesoAmerican Region
Deep-sea fishing was established in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras at least 80 years ago, while the fishery in Belize began within the last 20 years. The barrier reef and offshore atolls of Belize are still quite productive, while the Bay Islands of Honduras are likely overfished. Fishers in Guatemala are the only in the region […]
Belize
With 24 years of country-based experience working with large fish, turtles, fisheries, and the tourism sector in Belize, MarAlliance’s work with large iconic marine wildlife began here. Our multi-pronged approach to big fish conservation integrates fisheries-dependent and independent research, tourism, outreach and education, capacity building, and policy support.